FutureCare NC Announces Recipients of the 2025 Polly Godwin Welsh LTC Nurses Scholarship

FutureCare NC, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization affiliated with the North Carolina Health Care Facilities Association (NCHCFA), is proud to announce the four recipients of the 2025 Polly Godwin Welsh Long Term Care (LTC) Nurses Scholarship.  

The 2025 scholarship recipients are: 

• Kimbre Paige Archer, Kerr Lake Nursing and Rehabilitation Center 
• Patricia Norman, Woodbury Wellness Center 
• Samara Petty, Westfield Rehab 
• Tiajuana Stewart, Trinity Glen 

“These four individuals demonstrate outstanding dedication to the field of long-term care and a true commitment to advancing their professional development,” said Eric Kivisto, Executive Director of FutureCare NC. “Their selection is a testament to their work ethic and potential to carry forward Polly’s legacy of service and leadership.” 

Each awardee will receive a $10,000 scholarship to support their pursuit of LPN or RN licensure within the long-term care field. This prestigious scholarship honors Polly Godwin Welsh, a respected and accomplished nurse leader who dedicated over 40 years to long term care policy, regulation, and clinical services. Polly retired in 2023 after serving as NCHCFA’s Executive Vice President of Regulatory and Clinical Services. Her career left a lasting impact on healthcare professionals and the quality of care provided across North Carolina’s LTC community. 

The scholarship program was established to encourage the educational advancement of employees working at NCHCFA member facilities. This year’s recipients were selected from a highly competitive pool of applicants and exemplify Polly’s values of compassion, leadership, and commitment to excellence in LTC. 

Beginning in 2026, FutureCare NC will offer two $10,000 scholarships annually. Scholarship applicants must meet rigorous criteria including letters of recommendation, official transcripts, and a demonstrated commitment to continuing their careers within NCHCFA member facilities after graduation. 

For more information about the Polly Godwin Welsh LTC Nurses Scholarship Program, visit www.nchcfa.org or contact Eric Kivisto at erick@nchcfa.org or 919-538-4918.